Go Global 2025/26
Semester Abroad Guide
Start your conversation with the world
Hello!
With this guide you can start to discover Bath Spa’s Go Global Semester Abroad opportunities.
Going abroad as a student might be something you already planned to do, or something you've never considered, but either way, we're here to support you along the journey.
Doing a semester abroad means expanding your horizons and gaining valuable life skills. Students come back with increased confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. International experience also helps you stand out in job interviews and helps to improve your career prospects.
There are a number of funding options available to help with travel and accommodation, and in most cases you don’t even need foreign language skills.
This guide is designed to direct you through the initial steps of deciding on the right Semester Abroad location for you, and how to apply. If you have any questions, please call into our Go Global Office. Find our full contact information on page 4.
How do I apply
Where can I study
Academic and other considerations
Money matters
Accommodation
Health and wellbeing
Important stuff to keep in mind
MADELEINE WEBB GRAPHIC DESIGN
NUOVA ACCADEMIA DI BELLE ARTI (ITALY)
What is a Semester Abroad?
Our Semester Abroad Programme gives you the opportunity to do part of your degree at one of our partner universities abroad. You will remain a Bath Spa student while you are abroad.
Instead of learning at Bath Spa, you would study and take the assessments at one of our international partner universities for one semester. Doing a semester abroad is an excellent opportunity to experience education in a different country, immerse yourself in a new culture, and have a life changing experience!
To be eligible you need to:
• Have achieved a minimum grade of 55% at application stage, and have a 60% (2:1) average grade at the end of your first year of studies.
• Apply by midday on Wednesday 11 February 2026
• You will need to make a £50 holding deposit alongside your application; this will be returned to you on arriving at your host university*
• Your attendance record will be taken into account.
Your placement will be for one semester during the second year of your undergraduate degree. The semester at your host university is usually around 4 - 5 months.
The application form can be found on the Bath Spa webpage: www.bathspa.ac.uk/students/international/ go-global/semester-abroad
ISSY JONES BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (MARKETING) WITH PPY HURON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (CANADA)
Who we are
The Go Global Team provides opportunities to study, work, and undertake research worldwide throughout your time at the University. We are here to provide support from start to finish!
Lizzie
BRYANT (SHE/HER)
International Projects Manager
GIN DARCY (THEY/THEM)
Global Citizenship Course Leader
LULU RICHARDS COTTELL (THEY/SHE)
Digital Content and Student Engagement Coordinator
Andy Lulu
BOYNS (HE/HIM)
Inbound Exchange Coordinator
Charlotte Naomi
NAOMI SANI (SHE/HER)
Global Exchange Adviser
Global Exchange Adviser
KING (SHE/HER)
Go Global Coordinator
ANDY
CHARLOTTE WILSON (SHE/HER)
LOUISA
LIZZIE
Where to find us
The Go Global Office is in Main House, room G02, on Newton Park Campus. We are open Monday - Friday from 10am to 3pm, no appointment required!
There will also be a member of the team at Locksbrook each Monday 10am-3pm in either the Café or The Street to chat with.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to arrange a set time, just email us to book a one-to-one meeting on either campus!
Semester Abroad, Summer Schools and general enquires BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Citizenship globalcitizenship@bathspa.ac.uk
Global Academy of Liberal Arts GALA@bathspa.ac.uk
@bathspagoglobal
Go Global Office G02
Look for our stickers in the West Wing windows, under the clock
How do I apply?
To apply, please download the application form from our website (www.bathspa.ac.uk/ go-global) and once completed, send it as an attachment to BSUexchange@bathspa.ac.uk by midday on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
After we’ve received your application, you’ll be invited to attend a short interview (approximately 15 minutes) with members of the Go Global Team. Your application and interview will both be marked and the grades combined to help us allocate students to our partner universities.
After your successful application, we will nominate you to your host university, which will then communicate directly with you from then on. The application process differs between host universities, but they will provide you with guidance notes.
You need to stay in touch with your Academic Advisor, the Go Global Team, and your host university throughout the application process and while you are abroad.
There will be paperwork to complete, and a pre-departure session to attend before you go abroad. The Go Global Team will be on hand to support you throughout.
Top tips for writing a personal statement:
• Why do you want to study abroad?
• Why have you chosen the universities in your preference list?
• How is studying abroad relevant to your past experiences and your future plans?
• What would you need to do to prepare to study abroad?
• Meet the word limit and do not write the bare minimum.
• Use structured paragraphs and proof-read for spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
PHOEBE
RIDGWAY CREATIVE WRITING AND PUBLISHING
STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY (SWEDEN)
“The friendships I’d initially made that I had convinced myself ‘probably wouldn’t last’, became everything to me, and as a group we travelled even further afield. These spontaneous excursions with my friends from all over the globe eventually gave me the confidence to reach out to some old friends of mine who lived in Norway!" Apply here
1 2 3
Bizzy Loffet, Biology with PPY, Oklahoma City University (USA)
Rebecca Farrell, Music (Jazz), Columbia College Chicago (USA)
Xavier Lock, Fine Art, ABK Stuttgart (Germany)
Semester Abroad
1.
Talk to the Go Global Team, research your options, and attend an information session.
Decide your first, second, and third choice of host university.
2.
Complete your application and submit this with your deposit by: MIDDAY ON WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2026
Submit a separate application directly to your host university according to their process so they can confirm your place.
Attend a pre-departure session with the Go Global Team.
8.
7.
9.
Complete your risk assessment and other mandatory paperwork.
3.
Attend an interview with the Go Global Team in mid-February 2026. Your performance at interview stage, as well as your application, will impact which host university you will be nominated to.
4.
Receive your results!
6.
If you accept the host university you’ve been given, we will send your name and contact details to this university. This is called the nomination process. (see page 27 for details)
5.
Meet other students taking part in a Semester Abroad at our Go Global mixer on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
a returners session and Go Global social, relive your experience with other students, and provide advice and guidance for future exchange students.
Our partner universities
You must apply to one of Bath Spa's approved partner universities. Please note that the exchange partners listed are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.
We advise that you research a range of destinations when choosing where you would like to study abroad; when you apply you will be asked to select your top three choices.
Please check the host university's admission requirements for up-to-date information, as subjects and modules are always subject to change.
For combined courses, please look at both of your subject options for information on where you can study on your Semester Abroad. If your host university teaches both your subjects, you may be able to study both. Otherwise, you can split the year so that you study one subject during your semester abroad, and one subject during your semester at Bath Spa.
We recommend that you also speak to your Academic Advisor to find out where previous students have gone on exchange for your subject. Your Advisor may also be able to offer specific guidance on what to look out for in a good course fit for your subject.
Our partners
AUSTRALIA
• Adelaide University (4 spaces)
• Queensland University of Technology (2 spaces)
• University of Technology Sydney (4 spaces)
AUSTRIA
• University of Art and Design Linz (3 spaces)
• University of Salzburg (4 spaces)
CANADA
• Concordia University (1 space)
• Huron University College (2 spaces)
CHINA
• Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance (2 spaces)
DENMARK
• Aarhus University (2 spaces)
• Roskilde University (2 spaces)
• University of Southern Denmark (2 spaces)
FINLAND
• University of Eastern Finland (2 spaces)
• University of Turku (2 spaces)
GERMANY
• University of Kassel (4 spaces)
• ABK Stuttgart (2 spaces)
IRELAND
• Maynooth University (5 spaces)
ITALY
• Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti (2 spaces)
• University of Rome Tor Vergata (2 spaces)
JAPAN
• Shinshu University (1 space)
• Seian University of Art and Design (3 spaces)
MEXICO
• Tecnológico de Monterrey (2 spaces)
NAMIBIA
• University of Namibia (2 spaces)
THE NETHERLANDS
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (3 spaces for Business, 2 spaces for Education)
• Radboud University (4 spaces)
NORWAY
• Volda University College (2 spaces)
POLAND
• SWPS University (2 spaces)
PORTUGAL
• University of Lisbon (3 spaces)
SPAIN
• Escuela de Arte 10 (Artediez) (10 spaces)
• Rovira i Virgili University (Tarragona) (4 spaces)
• University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (8 spaces (Vic Campus) & 4 spaces (Manresa campus))
SWEDEN
• Stockholm University (2 spaces for English, 2 spaces for History)
• Linnaeus University (5 spaces)
SWITZERLAND
• St. Gallen University of Teacher Education (6 spaces)
• Thurgau University of Teacher Education (3 spaces)
TAIWAN
• National Taiwan University of the Arts (2 spaces)
• Taipei National University of the Arts (2 spaces)
USA
• Bennington College (3 spaces)
• Columbia College Chicago (10 spaces)
• Montana State University Billings (2 spaces)
• Oklahoma City University (4 spaces)
• SUNY Geneseo (2 spaces)
Where can I study for my subject?
BATH BUSINESS SCHOOL
can only go abroad in semester two.
“To other students, I feel that going abroad and experiencing this opportunity would be greatly beneficial as they would get to see some amazing places and do some great activities along with meeting some great people from across the world. In relation to their academic studies, going to a different university would offer students a different perspective on their studies and give them different skills from the modules other places offer that may not be on offer at Bath Spa.”
Aarhus University
Adelaide University
Columbia College Chicago
Concordia University
Huron University College
Linnaeus University
Maynooth University
Montana State University Billings
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Italy
Oklahoma City University
Queensland University of Technology
Radboud University
Roskilde University
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Rovira i Virgili
SWPS University
Tecnológico de Monterrey
University of Kassel
University of Lisbon
University of Rome
University of Salzburg
University of Southern
University of Technology
University of Turku
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY LONDON
OLIVIA GIANNAKOUDAKIS BIOLOGY AND BUSINESS
QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA)
“The advice I would give to others embarking on a semester aboard or anything similar, is that you must leave yourself time at the beginning to adjust and settle in. This takes time and you must first establish yourself within your new surroundings. Even when you have been in your new location for a longer period of time, everyone has up and down days; it is necessary so you can appreciate the extreme highs you will experience on your amazing journey.”
Aarhus University Denmark
Adelaide University Australia
Columbia College Chicago USA, IL
Concordia University Canada, QC
Huron University College Canada, ON
Linnaeus University Sweden
Maynooth University Ireland
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Italy
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
Radboud University Netherlands
Roskilde University Denmark
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences Netherlands
Rovira i Virgili University Spain
Stockholm University Sweden
SUNY Geneseo USA, NY
SWPS University Poland
Tecnológico de Monterrey Mexico
University of Kassel Germany
University of Lisbon Portugal
University of Rome Tor Vergata Italy
University of Southern Denmark Denmark
University of Technology Sydney Australia
University of Turku Finland
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia Spain
BATH SCHOOL OF ART, FILM AND MEDIA
The asterisks (*and**) above show you which Bath Spa subjects include HACS/CST modules. If your course includes HACS/CST, depending on which semester you go in, you might need to complete additional HACS/ CST sessions during your second year at Bath Spa, to make sure you have completed the required learning. You won’t be required to take any additional assessments.
“My semester abroad improved my confidence as an individual. I was able to prove to myself that I can enter a new situation and make friends. I also gained the skills of adapting and overcoming, which were prevalent in persevering through culture shock and homesickness.”
ABK Stuttgart Germany
Adelaide University Australia
Bennington College USA, VT
Columbia College Chicago USA, IL
Concordia University Canada, QC
Linnaeus University Sweden
Maynooth University Ireland
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
National Taiwan University of the Arts Taiwan
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Italy
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
Radboud University
Roskilde University
Seian University of Art & Design
Shinshu University
SUNY Geneseo USA, NY
Taipei National University of the Arts
Tecnológico de Monterrey
University of Art and Design Linz
University of Kassel
University of Lisbon
University of Salzburg
University of Technology
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
Volda University College
BATH SCHOOL OF DESIGN
Please note that due to the accreditation of the degree, we are currently unable to run exchanges for students studying Architecture.
Fashion Design*,***
Games Development
Graphic Design*
Interior Design*
Product and Furniture Design*,**
*HACS.
** Students can only go abroad in semester two.
*** Course would prefer students to go out in semester 1
HANNAH WILSON
TEXTILE DESIGN FOR FASHION AND INTERIORS
SEIAN UNIVERSITY (JAPAN)
“I decided to study abroad to put myself out of my comfort zone and experience brand new cultures and see a different way of living. I would absolutely recommend the experience to any student as being a brilliant personality-strengthening and mind-expanding experience you could not find anywhere else.”
The asterisk (*) above shows which Bath Spa subjects include HACS modules. Depending on which semester you go, if you miss the HACS module, you will need to complete additional CST sessions during your second year at Bath Spa, to make sure you have completed the required learning ready for your final year. You won’t be required to take any assessments for the CST module, just to attend the sessions.
ABK Stuttgart Germany
Adelaide University Australia
Bennington College USA, VT
Columbia College Chicago USA, IL
Concordia University Canada, QC
Escuela de Arte 10 Artediez Spain
Linnaeus University Sweden
Lisbon University Portugal
Maynooth University Ireland
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
National Taiwan University of the Arts Taiwan
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Italy
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
Roskilde University Denmark
Seian University of Art & Design Japan
SWPS University Poland
Taipei National University of the Arts Taiwan
Tecnológico de Monterrey Mexico
University of Art and Design Linz Austria
University of Kassel Germany
University of Southern Denmark Denmark
University of Technology Sydney
University of Turku Finland
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia Spain
Volda University College Norway
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Please note that due to the accreditation of the degree, we are currently unable to run exchanges for students on the Educational Psychology pathway.
UNIVERSITY
Concordia University Canada, QC
Huron University College Canada, ON
Maynooth University
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
St. Gallen University College of Teacher Education Switzerland
SUNY Geneseo USA, NY
Thurgau University College of Teacher Education
University of Eastern Finland
University of Lisbon
University of Technology Sydney
University of Turku
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
Please note: Students who study under the Swiss Mobility Programme will receive funding from the Swiss government to support their Semester Abroad. A placement in education is a part of this experience.
ISABELLE PALFREY EDUCATION PRIMARY AND EARLY YEARS
UNIVERSITY OF ST. GALLEN (SWITZERLAND)
"Switzerland is now my favourite country and I intend on travelling back there as soon as possible. The scenery is beautiful, and St. Gallen was a lovely place to stay."
UNIVERSITY OF
GEORGE CALVER EDUCATION
STOCKHOLM (SWEDEN)
SCHOOL OF WRITING, PUBLISHING AND THE HUMANITIES
SUNY GENESEO (USA)
“The fantastic thing about SUNY Geneseo is that the location itself is a small college village, but it’s close to several major cities, meaning that students can get both the small town and big city US experiences."
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO (USA)
“Studying at Columbia College was a completely different experience from that of Bath Spa. I really enjoyed my modules as I felt like I was getting a good understanding of American literature, as well as Native and Asian-American literature, meaning I was broadening my understanding of the subject more than I thought I would."
EDWARD BUCKTON
SAVANNAH SQUAIR ENGLISH LITERATURE
Adelaide University Australia
Bennington College USA, VT
Columbia College Chicago USA, IL
Concordia University Canada, QC
Huron University College Canada, ON
Linnaeus University Sweden
Lisbon University Portugal
Maynooth University Ireland
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
National Taiwan University of the Arts Taiwan
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
Radboud University Netherlands
Roskilde University Denmark
Seian University Japan
Shinshu University Japan
Stockholm University Sweden
SUNY Geneseo USA, NY
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Turku University
University of Kassel
University of Rome Tor Vergata Italy
University of Salzburg Austria
University of Southern Denmark Denmark
University of Technology Sydney
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
Volda University College
*only suitable for joint hons Creative Writing and English Literature
BATH SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Drama
Drama (Musical Theatre)
Music
Music (Performance)
Theatre, Festivals and Events Management
STOCKHOLM UNIVERITY (SWEDEN)
“The study abroad experience would significantly benefit others, it is an excellent opportunity to experience a different culture whilst living in a different country. It provides the chance to meet people from all over the world as well as explore a destination you may not have visited before. You will develop your academic skills as well as broaden your knowledge whilst studying at a different institution. Studying abroad will push you out of your comfort zone but in return, you will gain profound confidence and independence."
ISABEL HENSBY
Adelaide University Australia
Bennington College USA, VT
Columbia College Chicago USA, IL
Concordia University Canada, QC
Linneaus University Sweden
Maynooth University Ireland
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
National Taiwan University of the Arts Taiwan
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology Australia
SUNY Geneseo USA, NY
Taipei National University of the Arts Taiwan
University of Kassel Germany
University of Rome Tor Vergata Italy
University of Salzburg Austria
University of Technology Sydney Australia
University of Vic - Central University of Spain Spain
Volda University College Norway
SCHOOL OF SCIENCES
Please note that due to accreditation of the degree, we are currently unable to run exchanges for students studying Psychology, Business Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Forensic Science. Additionally, School of Sciences students must confirm with their Academic Advisor which semester they can participate in.
Geography**
Global Development and Sustainability
Human Nutrition***
Sociology*
Sport and Exercise Nutrition***
Wildlife Conservation**
* Students can only go abroad in semester one.
** Students can only go abroad in semester two.
*** Course preference for Semester 2, where there is a strong reason for semester 1 students discuss this with the course.
UNIVERSITY OF VIC - CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF CATALONIA (SPAIN)
“Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience that not every student partakes in. The ability to travel overseas offers lots of opportunities for personal growth, independence, and learning.”
Aarhus University
Adelaide University
Bennington College USA, VT
Concordia University Canada, QC
Huron University College Canada, ON
Linneaus University
Maynooth University
Montana State University Billings USA, MT
Oklahoma City University USA, OK
Queensland University of Technology
Radboud University
Roskilde University
Shinshu University
SUNY Geneseo
Turku University
University of Namibia
University of Kassel
University of Salzburg
University of Technology
University of Vic - Central University of
Volda University College
Academic considerations
Is my place at my host university guaranteed?
You will need to apply separately to your host university after we nominate you, and although it is extremely rare, they are not obliged to accept you. If you are a student of a subject like Fine Art or Creative Computing, you may also be asked to submit a portfolio of your work.
What does nomination mean?
When you complete your application form, you submit it to BSU’s Go Global Team (see pages 7-8), not to your host university. Following both your written application and interview, we then allocate you to a host university and get in touch with them to let them know we want to send you there, and they will then get in touch with you to ask for more information.
Will my course be the same or different at my host university?
The same in some ways and different in others. You have to take the same subject, but the style of teaching will likely differ, and you might cover slightly different material to what your peers are studying at home. There may be more or less contact time with your tutors; more continuous assessments in the form of pop quizzes and presentations; different class types and sizes, etc.
Will it be harder or easier?
It depends on your style of learning! There is often an adjustment period when you begin, but your semester abroad is pass/fail, which takes some of the pressure off.
What does pass/fail mean?
Because grading systems also differ from country to country, you will only be required to achieve a pass grade while you are abroad, bringing back the credits but not the grades. This means that your grade for your second year rests on the grade you achieve for that semester you are at Bath Spa. Remember that your second year grade counts for 30% of your degree, which means that you won’t be able to ‘drop’ your lowest average marks in your second year.
How many modules will I need to take?
As a full-time Bath Spa student, you are currently taking 60 credits each semester, and you need to take the equivalent of this while you’re on your semester abroad. This might not be the same number of modules – you may take more or less than you do here, but the credits have to even out. The credit systems differ from country to country, and it is your responsibility to check whether you are enrolled on enough modules. The Go Global Team will guide you through this.
Which semester should I go abroad in?
Some universities have semester dates that mean you can only go abroad in semester two (Australian universities, for example), but we generally recommend that you go in your first semester. This is because it reduces the academic risk (see the examples below) and it is also usually easier to find single semester accommodation in Bath in the second semester. However, make sure you look at your Bath Spa module options for your second year – if there is a module you really want or need to take, check which semester you should stay in Bath for!
EXAMPLE: You go to Stockholm University in Sweden for the first semester of your second year. The modules there are worth 15 European credits (ECTS) each, which means you have to take two, because 30 ECTS = 60 BSU credits. You pass your modules and come home. During your second semester you get an average grade of 2:1, which means your final grade for your second year is a 2:1.
EXAMPLE: You get a 2:1 in your first semester at Bath Spa, and go to Adelaide University for your second semester, where you have to take five modules because 12 Units = 60 BSU credits. Unfortunately, you fail one of those modules. This means you have to do a make-up assignment either over the summer or at the start of your third year to make sure you have enough credits to progress into your third year.
What else do I need to consider?
Visa
You will need to apply for a residence permit or a visa to study abroad. It is normal as part of this process to prove you have access to sufficient funds in a bank account and visit the embassy of the country you want to go to. Your host university will support you throughout this process to ensure you're financially eligible to study in your host country.
When to go
We generally recommend semester one over semester two, where it is possible for both your course and the host institution. This is because semester-only accommodation contracts are more available in the second semester, and these are secured while you are away/when you return. So, if you need to find a room in a pinch when you come back, we will be better able to help you. This will also be helpful if you need to trail a module (see the examples on page 27) because it means you won’t be overwhelmed with too much work in your final year.
Are term dates the same abroad?
At some universities, the semesters have different dates, for example starting in August for semester one, or in January for semester two. This means there might be a crossover of dates if you’re going in the second semester, and if so, we encourage you to speak to your module tutors and academic advisors to ask how this may impact on the end of your first semester at Bath Spa. You might need to submit your final assessments remotely or submit earlier than your peers.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
When doing research into your exchange possibilities, don’t forget to consider your personal needs, for example reproductive health, LGBTQ+ rights, and access needs. The laws and customs in your host country may be very different to those in the UK, so it’s important that you familiarise yourself with them in advance.
Here are some useful sites to start you off:
Come and chat to us if you have any further questions or concerns.
What does it cost?
Regardless of where you study abroad, you'll continue to pay your tuition fees to Bath Spa University. No tuition fees are paid to your host institution, but there are other costs to consider.
You'll need to do some research about your financial position and the cost of living in your host country. As a budget starting point, you should factor in the cost of:
• Travel (airfare; train/bus/taxi within host country to university)
• Fees for passport and visas
• Health and travel insurance
• Local daily transportation
• Accommodation costs in host country (including refundable deposits and utility fees)
• Accessories for housing if not provided (bedding, kitchen supplies)
• The cost of meals
• Additional course fees, books, and supplies (not tuition fees)
• Additional living expenses (travel around the country, shopping, and going out)
Most of our partner universities offer help and guidance in estimating your living expenses prior to your departure, but we also encourage you to do your own research to ensure that you'll be able to fund your time abroad.
For example, consumer prices in the USA are higher than in the UK. This means that staple items, such as eggs, bread, or pasta, could be considerably more expensive than you are used to!
Travel Insurance
You are automatically included under BSU’s travel cover with UMAL. Go Global recommends obtaining secondary coverage as not everything is covered by UMAL, and it’s better to be comprehensive. There are some countries where you will also need to purchase additional health insurance such as Australia, the USA, and Canada, where specific health insurance is required as either part of the visa application or by the partner institution.
Student Finance
You will continue to receive any loans and grants from Student Finance. Please be aware that when you reapply for your loan in the summer before your semester abroad, you will need to let Student Finance know that you’re doing a semester abroad and complete any paperwork they require to support that.
Double Funding
Please be aware that students who receive Turing funding are not allowed to receive funding from other pots for the same element of their trip (i.e. airfare, accommodation, etc). For example, students who apply for SFE Travel Grants will not be eligible for the Turing Scheme’s WP Travel Uplift or the additional ‘Readiness to Travel’ funding. If you’re unsure, reach out to the Go Global Team and we can talk you through it.
Deposit
A deposit of £50 must be paid when you submit your application for your semester abroad. The deposit will be refunded once you arrive at your host university, so you can make use of this money while you are away! The instances in which you will not receive your deposit back can be found in the terms and conditions when you apply.
Other funding
Turing Scheme Award*
A Turing Scheme award is provided as a contribution towards the cost of living while undertaking a period of mobility abroad. It is not expected to cover all expenses. As a government award you don’t need to pay it back as long as you complete your placement/semester abroad in accordance with the Turing Scheme requirements.
You will be required to sign an agreement to receive the Turing Scheme award prior to your travel. This process is organised through the Go Global Team, so you don’t need to apply for this independently.
*This is subject to Bath Spa’s successful bid for annual funding from the UK Government Turing Scheme.
** The Turing Scheme categorises different countries into groups. Please check their website for more information on their criteria.
Bath Spa’s Global Horizons Award
Up to £3,500 per student. You must meet certain eligibility criteria to apply.
Bath Spa’s International Travel Award
Open to all students!
BUTEX scholarship
BUTEX offers you the chance to receive additional funding through an annual competition.
The Royal Commonwealth Society scholarship (Bath Branch)
The RCS offers students living in the BA postcode £250-£500 to support a placement in a Commonwealth country.
Student Finance Travel Grant
Check to see how much you can be reimbursed for, as it varies depending on household income.
Accommodation
In the host country:
Your host university will guide you through the accommodation options available for you. This varies from university to university. You could be offered on-campus accommodation, a shared student flat, a house in private rented accommodation, or living with a host family. You’ll receive further information from your host university once you have received an official acceptance letter.
You can get an idea of the type of accommodation you’re likely to be offered by researching what is typical in the country you are applying to. As a starting point check out our partner directory via the QR code.
Partner Directory
Discord link
At Bath Spa University (before or after your Semester Abroad):
• As you are only at BSU for one semester, some students choose to commute to BSU during the semester they are in the UK to avoid being locked into a 12-month agreement with a private landlord.
• Through Go Global Socials you will meet other students also doing a semester abroad and could arrange for tenancy takeovers between you if you are away during opposite semesters. Please note that you will need written agreement from your landlord/letting agency to do this.
• There is a server on Discord moderated by accommodation teams from Bath Spa, the University of Bath, and Norland College which students can use to find others who can either do a house-share with you or arrange to take over/split a 12-month contract (one person using the accommodation for semester 1, one person using it for semester 2). Join the Bath Student Housing Discord server and ask about tenancy swaps.
BSU Accommodation
• BSU can sometimes offer semester-only accommodation, however we prioritise these rooms for our inbound students first and then offer any remaining rooms to outbound students. Please note that there are more semester-only rooms available in our accommodation in the second semester, so we strongly recommend that you do your semester abroad in the first semester if you want to potentially stay in university accommodation.
Here’s a message from a Bath Spa student letting the Go Global Team, and you, know how they organised their tenancy takeover.
Hi Lulu!
Hope you're well, I did in fact manage to find somebody to take my room for semester one. Charlotte sent me a list of the names of everyone going on exchange & I sent a mass email to everyone asking if they were looking for a room (focusing on the fact I am leaving in Semester One, so they would have to be on a Semester 2 exchange).
It was pretty easy as thankfully someone did need the room and pretty urgently, so we exchanged Instagram handles and did a call the next day just to clarify everything.
Then she came to meet me and some of the other flat mates in person over coffee, and it went really fantastic! I think I got very lucky and she has signed the lease now with our landlord, who was also very understanding.
Cheers, Emily
Health and Wellbeing
Medication and prescriptions
It’s important when going abroad that you have your prescriptions ready before you leave and check the host country’s regulations on incoming prescriptions in case they do not allow certain medications. You may need to apply for permission to take medicine into the country, even if you have a prescription for it.
Take Japan, as an example:
• All medications containing stimulants are prohibited; this includes Adderall which is a standard medication used to treat ADHD. This means it would be illegal to take this medication into the country.
• If you needed to take more than a one-month supply of a prescription with you to Japan (of a medication permitted there), then you would have to apply for a special certificate of import before you travel. This process could take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Don’t let medications put you off exploring international opportunities.
Do make sure you’re well prepared before you travel.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
While living abroad can be exciting, it can also be a stressful and anxious time, particularly at the start of your trip. It’s important to be aware of the impact that cultural and lifestyle differences can have and to look after your mental health. The organisation Go International provides links and resources for managing your health while abroad: http://go.international.ac.uk/digitalresources-healthand-wellbeing.
While you are away, you will still have access to Wellbeing Services as you will still be a BSU student when you are abroad. You will also have access to the wellbeing support that the host university offers its students, including their international support office.
Sometimes, when you arrive in host counties it can be overwhelming and there is an urge to immediately try to come home. It’s really important that if you’re feeling uncertain, you contact us for help and advice. If you leave your placement early, depending on the terms of any funding you have received, you may have to pay back some or all of your grant money, which is never a fun process, especially if you’ve already paid for flights and accommodation.
General Health and Safety
For vaccinations (and evidence of vaccinations you’ve already had or may require) check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for specific advice for your destination country: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Students undertaking a Go Global trip - i.e. Go Global have either nominated you for your space or are funding you in some way, are automatically included under BSU’s travel cover with UMAL. Go Global recommends obtaining secondary coverage as not everything is covered by UMAL, and it’s better to be comprehensive.
Emergency Alert Services such as UMAL's Crisis24 Horizon: This service provides real-time travel alerts, including those related to safety, security, and travel disruptions. You can select specific countries, regions, or cities to receive notifications about.
If you are concerned that a health, wellness, or safety matter may hold you back from a going abroad and have further questions, please reach out to the Go Global Team and we can support you!
Important stuff to keep in mind
• You will need a valid passport prior to travelling with at least six months left on it after the date of your return to the UK.
• You are responsible for sourcing your own accommodation both at home and abroad, check out our Partner Directory webpage for how accommodation is approached at each host institution.
• BSU nominating you to your host university does not guarantee your space. To secure this you will need to apply separately to them after we nominate you and meet their course requirements.
• You need to ensure that you are communicating with your Academic Advisor, in case you are required to participate in a specific semester at BSU.
• Attendance at our pre-departure and returners sessions is compulsory.
• You need to be achieving at least 55% in your first year when you apply, and then achieve a 2:1 (60% or higher) for your first year overall. If you don’t meet these requirements, we may withdraw your space on the programme.
• You must complete the equivalent of 60 BSU credits during your semester abroad. Your second year grade will be based on the modules you take during the semester you are at Bath Spa.
• Researching your host country’s laws, healthcare provision, and political climate is both essential and your responsibility. Use trusted sources like news outlets, not just social media sites.
• Your BSU university email address will be shared with other students on the programme as part of our pre and post-departure activities.
KATHRYN SYMONDS CREATIVE ARTS PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN LINZ (AUSTRIA)
• If you withdraw from the Semester Abroad Programme, you may lose deposits and have to pay back any funding you’ve received.
• Make sure you read the terms and conditions on your application thoroughly!
